Book of condolence for Gerry Ryan

Hundreds of people have visited RTE's radio centre in Dublin to sign a book of condolence for the late broadcaster Gerry Ryan.

The 53-year-old radio and television presenter was found dead at his Leeson Street apartment in the capital on Friday.

Irish Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

U2's lead singer Bono was among those who paid tribute.

Mr Ryan, who was from Clontarf in Dublin, had been broadcasting on RTE 2fm for over two decades. He also presented on TV.

RTE issued a statement on behalf of Mr Ryan's wife Morah, from whom he was estranged, and his five children.

It said they were in shock and were requesting privacy.

RTE radio managing editor Claire Duignan said that Mr Ryan had complained of being unwell on Thursday night and had told colleagues he did not think he would be able to do his show on Friday.

She added: "When he spoke with people to say he would not be in today, they obviously expressed concern and asked whether he needed a doctor. But he said not, he was fine, but he wouldn't be in today".

Irreverent

The Irish prime minister, Brian Cowen, said he was "deeply saddened" by the death of "one of the greats of modern Irish broadcasting on radio and television".

We have lost a colleague whose work defined a broadcasting genre

Cathal Goan, RTE director general

He added: "As a broadcaster, Gerry Ryan was both informed and intelligent, forthright and articulate.

"As a man, he was generous, famously irreverent and witty.

"I had had the pleasure of meeting him many times, both in front of and away from the microphone. He was always engaging company and a man of considerable charm."

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